About the Work
This Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis was originally written for treble voices and organ in 2013, and a version for SATB choir and organ was written in 2019. It has been sung by various choirs, including the choristers of St. Thomas in Medina, Washington, the choir of Trinity Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and the choir of Epiphany Parish in Seattle, Washington.
In composing this setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, my musical language was highly influenced by my synesthesia (the association of colors with notes and words). For example, when I think of Mary, I imagine her cloaked in a deep blue, which is why I have written a B-flat for the treble entrance in the Magnificat—a pitch that, for me, matches the same color. Throughout this service, there are frequent shifts of key center, and these changes highlight various themes in the text and the colors I associate with them.
Texts
Magnificat
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm.
He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat
and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things.
And the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel
as he promised to our forefathers Abraham, and his seed forever.
Amen.
Nunc Dimittis
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.